Necklemann's?

topic posted Wed, April 2, 2008 - 6:21 PM by  Ziva Diva
Does anyone have any input as to positive or negative dealings with Necklemann's?
posted by:
Ziva Diva
Alabama
  • Re: Necklemann's?

    Thu, April 3, 2008 - 1:57 AM
    Yes.
    I ordered from them, and when I looked at the costume online, I thought, "WOW! There's no way this costume is that inexpensive! It's awesome!"

    However, though I can't say I regret my decision, you do get what you pay for.

    The costume is lightweight, which is good. But, that really means, the beads are all cheap plastic. I was a bit disappointed when I saw/felt it in person. I guess I have mixed feelings though, because despite that, I still love the costume.

    I haven't worn it yet because the bra has NO support. The bra base itself was very cheap, and even though I'm only a large B/ small C, I was falling right out of it (yet I could have sworn I gave them my correct measurements). A lot of underboob, and VERY loose elastic.

    It won't be a really high-quality costume, subject to close scrutiny. And you may have to spend time altering it to fit you right (I'm in the process of cutting the beads off the straps, tightening the shoulder straps, and making the chest straps fit me right). I'm a 34 who can possibly fit into a 36 and my friend who is a 38 had NO problem fitting into it.

    Maybe they sent me the wrong size?

    The bra cup itself is very...flat, which means that you not only may have underboob, but side-boob as well. In fact, that's my biggest complaint. I don't know if the bra lends itself to moving around and dancing. It's not a well-supported bra.

    However, for the price, if you are willing to do a bit of alteration, it can be a lovely costume. It really does look nice, especially in the right light. I had no complaints about the belt, and the color is nice, and they include extra beads in case some fall off.

    For me, I feel that it will be worth it...once I get around to fixing it.

    Hope that helps.
    • Re: Necklemann's?

      Thu, April 3, 2008 - 4:11 AM
      Yeah... I hate to agree, but they are gorgeous, and they are plastic coated plastic beads. Does anyone remember the plastic "oat beads" from the 70s? The plastic color flakes off of them after a relatively short time. And yes, the base for bra and belt are very light - imagine 4-5 layers of broadcloth for the belt. It looks great from a little ways away, and the tiny dancer that had the one I examined fit nicely in it, but she's barely a B cup at most, so she didn't really need support.
      But I love the way the colors and beads are laid out. I admit, I wanted to get one even after seeing the construction.
  • Re: Necklemann's?

    Thu, April 3, 2008 - 8:49 AM
    I was just on their website, and they do have a whole section of cabaret made from glass beads. I cant vouch for the quality, but I think you really do get what you pay for in this case. more money=better quality beads.
    • Re: Necklemann's?

      Sat, April 5, 2008 - 12:30 PM
      I have a BRAND new one, in the purple loop, I"m selling dirt cheap. I bought it to see how the quality was--the cups on mine, also a b/c, are really quite sturdy and really hold their shape, but the V belt is NOT flattering on me, and I don't have the time to attempt to alter it. I bought it since I own a studio and i wanted to see the quality, and you do get what you pay for--it photographs decently, though, which is good, but I would not wear this for a high end gig, you know?

      But if you're interested, PM me....bought it, tried it on, sits in box.
      • Re: Necklemann's?

        Sat, April 5, 2008 - 1:20 PM
        It sounds like it's possible they sent me the wrong size bra, if yours fits you well. I can't tell, since they cut out the tag.
        • Re: Necklemann's?

          Mon, April 7, 2008 - 1:56 PM
          Yeah, Erin, I was going to say the cups of my Necklemann's fit really well. I think they did send you the wrong size.

          A troupe I was in at the time put in a group order and the other ladies seemed to have a lot of trouble with sizes, not getting what they ordered, etc. but I had no problem. I think it was because mine was a special order because I was getting a "goddess-sized" costume. :)

          I really love mine and i've had it for about 4 years now and it's held up very well. I've only noticed a little wear on the beads just lately.
          • Re: Necklemann's?

            Mon, April 7, 2008 - 5:35 PM
            I have maded my own cosumes for years and finally wanted to buy one that I didn't have to kill my fingers to make so I have two of them One was special ordered as per the colors I wanted. I am a 38DD, the cups are very sturdy and one has wider straps for more support. I love them both as they can be worn with many different colors and looks. Yes they are plastic but I think worth the money for the beadwork. Would I buy another YES!
            • Re: Necklemann's?

              Wed, April 9, 2008 - 6:46 AM
              Mine fits wonderfully, the only problems i have are these,
              1. the bra straps stretch, so I had to really take them in otherwise my shoulder shimmy turns into something wrong on many levels...(LOL)
              2. the beads were silver, but the silver rubs off leaving ugly cream or black color, on my white and silver bedlah.. ick... AND the silver rubs off onto costumes
              3. the beads smell funny, like those icky strings of iridescent christmas beads... so you have to get used to the smell if you buy the iridescent white beads
              4. since the belt is velcro, if you lose weight, or the belt stretches, or your size changes at all, it is really hard to alter, especially if you bought the V shaped belt.

              otherwise i love it, it looks fabulous on me and accentuates all my curves!
              • Re: Necklemann's?

                Thu, April 10, 2008 - 9:01 PM
                You should NEVER rely on velcro to hold your costumes on, and mine has zero smell....but it may just be the colors....

                Saahira, the straps are removable, so try criss crossing them--I had to do that when I tried mine on to hold my girls in place, like an X across your back.
                • Re: Necklemann's?

                  Wed, April 16, 2008 - 12:42 PM
                  Wow, I have ordered 2 times from Neckelmans and been very satisfied. I do have one of their looped costumes for about 5 years and the beads look great still (though I have only worn it about 6 times - and I sprayed them with shellac). My bra was a bit big until I detached the straps and crossed them in back and now they make my cleavage pop.

                  I bought one of their glass chain link ones one time. And it was VERY HEAVY...I mean like drag me down heavy...so I do appreciate the lighter weight of the beads.

                  They photograph great and look wonderful onstage. If you get 10 wears out of them then you really got your money worth for it.

                  Also I glue the thread on the inside to prevent beads from falling off.
                  • This is the maximum depth. Additional responses will not be threaded.

                    Re: Necklemann's?

                    Sat, April 19, 2008 - 1:40 PM
                    One thing to remember (I told this to a dancer just yesterday and she had no idea) Spraying anything around or on while wearing your costume can ruin it, Like perfume or hairspray, body glitter,it strips color off of sequins and beads, Please use these products before putting on your costumes and remember not to spray anything around other dancers in their costumes. It can also danmage some fabrics especially metalics.
              • Re: Necklemann's?

                Sun, April 20, 2008 - 5:21 AM
                I sewed three hooks and eyes on both my Neckelmann's belts I can move them to change size anytime I need to, I have also had to do this with more expensive glass beaded bedlah form Egypt. My Egyptian bedlah also had teh straps stretch out everytime I wore it.
                I did altter teh straps on one of my Neckelmanns but most costumes you have to adjust somewhere even if they are custom made.
  • Re: Necklemann's?

    Sat, April 19, 2008 - 5:10 PM
    I bought my Necklemann's at an event, so I could see what I was getting. It is a great beginner/ hobbyistcostume, and I did get mine for a steal, BUT, it in no way compares to a "professional" bedlah. You do get what you pay for, and I have no complaints about mine.
  • Re: Necklemann's?

    Mon, April 21, 2008 - 8:49 AM
    I have a costume from Necklemanns that is very nice. It was an inexpensive price, and it looks lovely. I bought a white bedlah from them that goes really well with several different skirts and colors, and it is one of the most versatile things in my closet!

    However, I do have to second the opinions of dissent expressed here. The strands of beads are not quite as high quality (which can only be seen close up) as other costumes. The bra top is also not very supportive and I had to alter it to fit me correctly. I am disappointed that you can see the original workings on the bra because I think that looks a little trashy. I was also not pleased with the velcro closing in the belt, and ended up removing it because it would get caught on everything! Plus, I didn't feel that velcro was secure enough to withstand a shimmy!

    With those complaints in mind, my costume came quickly and was very reasonably priced. From the distance of a stage show, you can't tell that the bra straps are just elastic and the beads are lower quality. And, with a little alteration - it fits me really beautifully.

    I would say that Neckelmanns is a good purchase for those who need an inexpensive, stock cabaret costume in a short time frame.
  • Re: Necklemann's?

    Fri, May 23, 2008 - 6:36 AM
    I've had experiences very much like the ones listed here - with another twist.

    My first order was from Daisy's stock. The costume that arrived didn't fit. The bra was too small and the belt was too big. The bra straps were too stretchy. The bra structure was not supportive enough. The tag was removed from the bra. The belt wasn't labeled with a size.

    The twist:
    I tried to do a custom order by sending my own bra to be covered thinking that would solve the issues with fit. It had been twice the amount of time Daisy said it would take to do a custom order so I emailed her asking for status. No answer. I called asking for status. No return call. At no time was the phone even answered. This went on for a while. Then I received an email from Daisy telling me my costume was done. She never allowed me to buy it. She never sent a picture of it. She just sent my bra back to me.

    Very strange.

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